I've become a convert in recent years to the idea of aiming for the highest markets you can. For much of my early career I stuck to small press markets, paying in copies or token amounts. This was more to do with a lack of confidence in my own ability than from any desire to stay in the "trenches". And that became the problem. I got cosy down there, and racked up large numbers of stories in print in small mags.

My Road to Damascus moment came in 2005 when I appeared in a Scottish anthology alongside the likes of Charlie Stross, Jane Yolen and Hal Duncan. I got to stand beside them all at a mass signing, and I thought "I can do this."

Since then I've been aiming higher. There are more misses now, but the hits are so much more satisfying.

Which brings me back to the payment issue. I -thought- I was happy down in the small presses, but I was deluding myself. The real feelings of achievement come when you feel you are getting a decent reward for the job. Sometimes that comes with money, other times with exposure and kudos, but all the time it comes from setting your sights as high as you can and aiming for the gold ring.

And just this week, I've sold a short story to NATURE FUTURES, one of my "target" markets.

Onwards and upwards.

_________________

"One of the premier storytellers of our time" - FAMOUS MONSTERS OF FILMLAND
William Meikle

You've worked pretty damn hard, and with damn good results. That's what brought you to this point. The point where your talent enables you to reach those higher goals (targets). We can aim for the moon all we want, but without the talent to back it up, all we can do is watch from afar.

You are inspiration.